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Chemical Name: Pentanoic acid
Chemical Formula: C5H10O2
CAS Number: 109-52-4
Other Names: n-Valeric acid
Physical State: Clear colorless liquid
Odor: Pungent, unpleasant, similar to sweat and cheese
Sectors of Use: Industrial manufacture, laboratory research, flavor industry, fragrance applications, chemical synthesis
Classification: Corrosive, irritant
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion
Health Hazards: Strong irritant to skin and eyes, potential for severe burns; vapor causes respiratory tract irritation; ingestion results in burns to mouth, throat, and stomach; prolonged exposure contributes to skin drying and cracking
Environmental Hazards: Toxic to aquatic organisms at significant concentrations
Specific Hazards: Fumes may aggravate pre-existing lung conditions
Main Ingredient: Valeric acid (C5H10O2)
Purity: Often above 99% in industrial and laboratory use
Impurities: Trace isovaleric acid or moisture may be present, depending on storage
Common Additives: Typically sold pure without stabilizers or other chemicals
Inhalation: Remove affected person to fresh air immediately; monitor breathing and provide oxygen if available; seek medical attention for respiratory distress
Skin Contact: Wash skin thoroughly with soap and plenty of water; remove contaminated clothing; seek medical attention for persistent irritation or burns
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes urgently with plenty of water for at least fifteen minutes, lifting eyelids occasionally; consult a physician for ongoing discomfort
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; do not induce vomiting; seek emergency medical attention rapidly due to risk of corrosive injuries
Flammability: Combustible, especially as vapor in air
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, alcohol-resistant foam; water spray for small fires
Fire Hazards: Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air; releases acrid smoke and possibly carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide when burning
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Full protective gear with self-contained breathing apparatus, owing to hazardous decomposition products and vapor toxicity
Personal Precautions: Prevent skin and eye contact using gloves, goggles, and other protective gear; ensure decent ventilation
Spill Response: Evacuate area if fire or large spill risk; absorb small spills with inert material like sand or earth; contain liquid to prevent spread
Environmental Precautions: Do not allow to enter drains or surface water; contain leaks immediately to limit environmental impact
Cleanup Methods: Collect in sealable, appropriately labeled containers for safe disposal; decontaminate area with water, then ventilate
Handling Practices: Use only in well-ventilated spaces; avoid inhalation of vapors or mist; minimize splashing or spills while transferring
Safe Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed glass or polyethylene containers, away from strong oxidizers and alkalis; store in cool, dry, well-ventilated locations away from heat sources and direct sunlight
Special Considerations: Corrosive to some metals; avoid prolonged storage with light metals such as aluminum
Occupational Exposure Limits: No widely recognized threshold limit values; prudent to minimize all exposure
Engineering Controls: Use fume hoods or adequate exhaust ventilation; eye wash and safety shower stations nearby
Personal Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene preferred); splash-proof goggles; lab coats or aprons; respirators for high vapor concentrations
Hygiene Practices: Remove contaminated clothing and wash hands thoroughly after handling
Appearance: Colorless, oily liquid
Odor: Strong, sharp, unpleasant, reminiscent of aged cheese
Boiling Point: Around 186°C
Melting Point: -34°C
Vapor Pressure: Moderate at room temperature
Solubility: Miscible with water, alcohol, ether
Density: Approximately 0.93 g/cm³
pH: Acidic in aqueous solution
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions and proper storage
Reactive With: Strong oxidizers, alkalis, reducing agents, light metals
Thermal Decomposition: Results in acrid, flammable vapors, potentially including carbon monoxide
Hazardous Reactions: May corrode light metals, generate heat and irritating fumes with bases or oxidizers
Acute Toxicity: Strong irritant to eyes, skin, mucous membranes
Inhalation Effects: Throat irritation, coughing; higher concentrations trigger respiratory distress
Skin Effects: Redness, blistering, possible chemical burns
Ingestion Risks: Corrosive effects on mouth, esophagus, and stomach, resulting in pain, vomiting, and malaise
Chronic Exposure: Prolonged skin contact may cause dermatitis; repeated inhalation could worsen underlying respiratory issues
Carcinogenicity: No conclusive evidence linking to cancer
Environmental Fate: Biodegradable under favorable conditions
Aquatic Toxicity: Toxic to aquatic life at elevated concentrations; causes pH changes in water, affecting sensitive organisms
Persistence: Does not persist long in natural environments if diluted
Bioaccumulation: Not expected to accumulate in food webs
Safe Methods: Hand over to authorized waste disposal contractors familiar with corrosive and organic chemical disposal
Avoid: Direct release into surface waters, soil, or drains
Small Amounts: Can be neutralized carefully with alkali under exhaust ventilation, followed by copious water; collect residual solids for disposal
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse thoroughly; dispose of in accordance with local environmental regulations
UN Number: Classified as a corrosive liquid within international transport codes
Transport Hazard: Recognized for risks during leakage or accidental release
Labeling: Chemical name and hazard pictograms required during shipping
Special Precautions: Secure upright, segregate from incompatible substances, and properly ventilate during transit
Classification: Listed by chemical safety organizations as corrosive and hazardous
Workplace Safety: Subject to control measures under national occupational exposure laws
Environmental Controls: Regulatory limits set for effluent and emissions containing this substance in many regions
Labeling Requirements: Clear hazard labeling under GHS and transport regulations
